EP3604073B1 - System for linking combined rail/road transport carriage - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a railway wagon for the combined rail / road transport of a road load and comprising two end platforms equipped with bogies and supporting a pivoting structure carrying the road load.

The invention relates more particularly to a connection system between the end platforms and the pivoting structure carrying the road load.

State of the art

A railway wagon is known for the combined rail / road transport of a road load which comprises two end platforms equipped with bogies and supporting a pivoting structure carrying the road load.

Such a wagon is for example known from the document EP 1 292 478 .

In this type of wagon, the swivel structure is generally referred to as a pocket. It is mounted to pivot around a pivot provided on a tie rod which connects the two end platforms.

The pocket can pivot horizontally with respect to the end platforms between a transport position along the longitudinal axis of the wagon and an oblique or perpendicular loading / unloading position in which the road load can freely circulate between the loading dock and the surface pocket carrier.

In the wagon described in the document EP 1 292 478 , when the wagon is in the transport position, or in the "closed wagon" position, the tie rod does not take up the torque generated by the pocket and only serves to support conduits and cables, while when the wagon is in an oblique position or perpendicular for loading / unloading, or in the “open wagon” position, the tie rod keeps the two end platforms in position with respect to each other.

In the document EP 1 292 478 , the connection between the end platforms and the pocket is made in the upper part by hooks and in the lower part by other hooks.

Thus, in the upper part and in the lower part, at the level of each of its lateral flanks, each end platform comprises hooks open at the top, or "male hooks", on which are engaged hooks open at the bottom, or "female hooks" provided at the two longitudinal ends of the pocket, in the upper part and in the lower part of the latter , at the level of each of its lateral flanks.

In the "closed wagon" position, each of the male hooks of the end platforms is found engaged with one of the female hooks of the pocket, the hooks of the pocket resting on the hooks of the end platforms so as to suspend the pocket between the two end platforms.

Due to the deformations that the bag is liable to undergo and manufacturing tolerances, it is however not always easy to engage all the female hooks with the male hooks, and this connection system between the bag and the two platforms of end is not always satisfactory.

In addition, any lack of longitudinal centering between the pocket and the two end platforms is liable to have a negative impact on the reliability of the connection system.

Finally, in the event of one of the hooks breaking, nothing is provided to secure the connection between the pocket and the two end platforms.

Description of the invention

The object of the present invention therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a new connection system for a rail car of the type as described above.

• deux plateformes d'extrémité reliées par un tirant et équipées de bogies, le tirant étant relié à chaque plateforme d'extrémité par un organe de liaison,
• une structure pivotante porteuse de la charge routière située au-dessus du tirant, entre les deux plateformes d'extrémité, et qui pivote entre une position de transport et une position de chargement/déchargement,
• un système de liaison prévu à chaque extrémité de la structure pivotante et à l'extrémité en regard de l'une des deux plateformes d'extrémité pour assembler de façon dissociable la structure pivotante avec ladite plateforme d'extrémité,

caractérisé en ce que chaque système de liaison comprend :

• une paire de crochets ouverts vers le haut, situés en partie supérieure sur l'extrémité en regard de la plateforme d'extrémité,
• une paire de crochets ouverts vers le bas, situés en partie supérieure sur la structure pivotante, ces crochets ouverts vers le bas s'engageant avec et reposant sur les crochets ouverts vers le haut de ladite plateforme d'extrémité lorsque la structure pivotante est en position de transport ;
• une paire de pièces de butée situées en partie inférieure de l'extrémité en regard de ladite plateforme d'extrémité et se prolongeant en proéminence en direction de la structure pivotante, ces pièces de butée maintenant un écartement fixe entre ladite plateforme d'extrémité et ladite structure pivotante lorsque la structure pivotante est en position de transport ;
• un dispositif de centrage qui guide la structure pivotante lorsqu'elle arrive en position de transport et l'aligne en position de transport avec ladite plateforme d'extrémité selon un axe longitudinal du wagon ferroviaire ; et
• un dispositif de sécurité qui relie la structure pivotante à ladite plateforme d'extrémité et assure une transmission d'effort de traction entre ces deux éléments lorsque la structure pivotante est en position de transport et en cas de défaillance d'un des organes de liaison, ledit dispositif de sécurité présentant un jeu mécanique fonctionnel entre la plateforme d'extrémité et le tirant en mode nominal.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a railway wagon for combined rail / road transport and loading / unloading of a road load, said wagon comprising:

• two end platforms connected by a tie rod and fitted with bogies, the tie rod being connected to each end platform by a connecting member,
• a pivoting structure carrying the road load located above the tie rod, between the two end platforms, and which pivots between a transport position and a loading / unloading position,
• a connection system provided at each end of the pivoting structure and at the end facing one of the two end platforms to dissociably assemble the pivoting structure with said end platform,

characterized in that each connection system comprises:

• a pair of hooks open upwards, located at the top on the end facing the end platform,
• a pair of downwardly open hooks located at the top of the swivel structure, these downwardly open hooks engaging with and resting on the upward open hooks of said end platform when the swivel structure is in position transport ;
• a pair of stop pieces located in the lower part of the end facing said end platform and protruding in the direction of the pivoting structure, these stop pieces maintaining a fixed distance between said end platform and said end platform swivel structure when the swivel structure is in the transport position;
• a centering device which guides the pivoting structure when it arrives in the transport position and aligns it in the transport position with said end platform along a longitudinal axis of the railway wagon; and
• a safety device which connects the pivoting structure to said end platform and ensures transmission of tensile force between these two elements when the pivoting structure is in the transport position and in the event of failure of one of the connecting members, said safety device exhibiting functional mechanical play between the end platform and the tie rod in nominal mode.

As a reminder, operation in nominal mode is the opposite of operation in degraded mode or resulting from a failure.

Each connection system does not include open hooks in each of the lower corners of the ends facing said end platform and said pivoting structure. Thus, each connection system comprises hooks open only in each of the upper corners of the ends facing said end platform and said pivoting structure.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each connection system comprises a retaining device comprising at least one locking mechanism on each side of the end platform and of the pivoting structure, which locks the pivoting structure with said end platform when the swivel structure is in transport position.

This connection system advantageously makes it possible to maintain the pocket between the two end platforms in a safe and centered manner during the pivoting and lowering of the pivoting structure in the transport position, using only hooks in the upper part and while maintaining a fixed spacing between the pivoting structure and the end platform in the lower part thereof. It also allows to lock the swivel structure with the end platform and ensure traction between these two elements when in the event of failure of one of the connecting members connecting the two end platforms to the tie rod in nominal mode.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the upwardly open hooks each comprise an upwardly projecting part and the downwardly open hooks each comprise a downwardly open receiving cutout of substantially complementary shape to the upwardly projecting part. each open hook at the top. The shape of these hooks advantageously makes it possible to suspend the pivoting structure in a reliable and robust manner from the end platform.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the parts projecting upwards and the receiving cutouts open downwards have a profile of substantially rectangular shape, which advantageously allows the parts protruding upwards to be properly held in the receiving cutouts open towards the bottom. low.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the upwardly open hooks are fitted with linings on their faces oriented along the longitudinal axis of the rail wagon, the linings of the upwardly open hooks exhibiting a slight angle with respect to the vertical so that each protruding part has a profile that is wider at its base than at its top. This conformation advantageously makes it possible to guide the descent of the protruding parts upwards into the receiving cutouts open downwards.

According to another exemplary embodiment, each stop piece comprises a wedging piece of chosen thickness which is fixed on the end platform, and on which is fixed a fur designed to come into contact against a receiving surface located in the lower part. of the swivel structure. During the construction of the wagon, this conformation of the stop pieces advantageously makes it possible to adjust in the factory the fixed spacing provided between the pivoting structure and the end platform.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the retaining device comprises two locking mechanisms each provided on each side of the end platform and of the pivoting structure. Such locking redundancy advantageously makes it possible to improve the security of the connection system.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each locking mechanism comprises a locking hook mounted on the end platform or the pivoting structure and designed to be able to engage in locking on a gripping pin mounted respectively on the pivoting structure or on the platform. end.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the locking hook is provided to pivot in a vertical plane in order to be able to engage in locking on the gripping axis provided transverse to the longitudinal axis of the railway wagon.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, each locking mechanism comprises a spring which pushes the locking hook into the locking position, as well as an actuator provided to tilt the locking hook into the unlocked position, the force of the actuator being sufficient to overcome the force of the spring. The locking mechanism is thus advantageously positive-security, the end platform and the pivoting structure remaining locked even in the event of a fault in the wagon's energy supply network.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the two locking hooks are mutually connected by a torsion bar which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the railway wagon. This advantageously allows the two locking hooks to be slaved for better security in the event of failure of one of the springs.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the centering device comprises a centering finger provided on the end platform in the lower part thereof, on the face facing the pivoting structure, and a receiving housing provided in the lower part of the latter. the pivoting structure on the face facing the end platform, the centering finger protruding in the direction of the pivoting structure in order to be received in the receiving housing when the pivoting structure is in the transport position. This centering device advantageously makes it possible to align the end platform and the pivoting structure in a reliable and safe manner.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the centering finger and the receiving housing are provided centered at the level of the median longitudinal axis of the railway wagon.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the centering finger preferably has a tapered upper part, which makes it possible to guide the descent of the pivoting structure into the transport position in a manner aligned with the end platform along the longitudinal axis of the wagon.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the safety device comprises at least one male member mounted in the lower part of the pivoting structure and at least one female receiving member provided in the lower part of the end platform, a male member being provided to be housed in an organ female receiver when the swivel structure is in the transport position. By the engagement of the male member with the female receiving member, this safety device, when requested, allows the end platform and the pivoting structure to be connected in traction or in pushing, depending on the direction of movement of the wagon.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the female receiving member is in the form of a housing provided on the underside of the end platform with one face open downwards.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the female receiving member is in the form of a housing having a shape substantially complementary to that of the male member.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the female receiving member has dimensions slightly larger than those of the male member, so that in nominal mode, a functional mechanical play between the male member and the female receptor member allows to avoid contact and transmission of force between the pivoting structure and the end structure.

According to an alternative embodiment, the safety device and the centering device are in the form of a single centering and safety device.

According to another variant embodiment, the safety device comprises at least one male member in the form of a centering finger, the free end of which comprises an anchoring piece extending transversely from each of the sides of the free end of the centering finger.

According to a further variant embodiment, the safety device comprises at least one male member in the form of a hook protruding from the end platform in the lower part thereof in the direction of the pivoting structure, the part free of the hook being curved upwards.

According to yet another embodiment, the safety device comprises at least one male member in the form of a centering finger having transverse axes in its middle part.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each connection system also comprises an additional safety device comprising a top stopper provided on the outer side of one of the upwardly open hooks, this top stopper having an upper part. extending upwards above said upwardly open hook against which the pivoting structure abuts when pivoted into the transport position. This Additional safety device advantageously makes it possible to block any additional pivoting movement of the pivoting structure when it is in the high position and pivoted in the transport position, so that the hooks by which the pivoting structure will be suspended are engaged in a centered manner.

According to another exemplary embodiment, in the transport position the pivoting structure can adopt a high position and a low position, and in that the additional safety device further comprises a low stopper provided on the outer side of the another hook open upwards, this lower stopper not having a part projecting above said hook open upwards but having a longitudinal part extending forward or backward which abuts against the external side face of a hook open downwards when the pivoting structure descends into the transport position. Thus, the additional safety device advantageously makes it possible to block any pivoting movement of the pivoting structure when it is lowered into the transport position, its upper hooks being blocked between the upper stop stop and the lower stop stop.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, each stopper has a lower part extending downwards in order to form a front stop for the locking hook when the latter is in the unlocked position.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique d'ensemble d'un wagon ferroviaire pour le transport combiné rail/route d'une charge routière et comprenant deux plateformes d'extrémité équipées de bogies et supportant une structure pivotante porteuse de la charge routière ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de profil d'un wagon ferroviaire selon l'invention ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de détail de la partie encerclée sur la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue similaire à la figure 3, dans laquelle la plateforme d'extrémité et la structure pivotante sont dissociées ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe du détail de la figure 3, dans laquelle un dispositif de verrouillage de la structure pivotante avec la plateforme d'extrémité est en position de verrouillage ;
• la figure 6 est une vue similaire à la figure 5, dans laquelle le dispositif de verrouillage est en position de déverrouillage ;
• la figure 7 est une vue partielle en perspective d'une plateforme d'extrémité selon l'invention illustrant le dispositif de verrouillage selon l'invention ;
• les figures 8 et 9 sont des vue de détail illustrant des butées de rotation pour les crochets femelles de la structure pivotante selon l'invention ;
• la figure 10 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un wagon ferroviaire selon l'invention comprenant un dispositif de centrage et de sécurité selon une première variante de l'invention ;
• la figure 11 est une vue de détail du dispositif de centrage et de sécurité encerclé sur la figure 10 ;
• la figure 12 est une vue de détail en perspective de dessus de la partie mâle du dispositif de centrage et de sécurité de la figure 10 ;
• la figure 13 est une vue en perspective de dessous de la partie mâle du dispositif de centrage et de sécurité de la figure 10 ;
• la figure 14 est une vue de détail en perspective de dessus de la partie femelle du dispositif de centrage et de sécurité de la figure 10 ;
• la figure 15 est une vue partielle en perspective de dessus d'un wagon ferroviaire selon l'invention comprenant un dispositif de centrage et de sécurité selon une seconde variante de l'invention ;
• la figure 16 est une vue partielle en perspective de dessous du wagon ferroviaire de la figure 15 ;
• la figure 17 est une vue partielle en perspective de dessus d'une structure pivotante comprenant les éléments mâles du dispositif de centrage et de sécurité selon la seconde variante de l'invention ;
• la figure 18 est une vue partielle en perspective de dessous d'une plateforme d'extrémité comprenant les éléments femelles du dispositif de centrage et de sécurité selon la seconde variante de l'invention ;
• la figure 19 est une vue partielle en perspective de dessus d'un wagon ferroviaire selon l'invention comprenant un dispositif de centrage et de sécurité selon une troisième variante de l'invention ;
• la figure 20 est une vue partielle en perspective de dessous du wagon ferroviaire de la figure 19 ;
• la figure 21 est une vue de détail en perspective de dessus de la partie mâle du dispositif de centrage et de sécurité de la figure 20 ;
• la figure 22 est une vue de détail en perspective de dessus de la partie femelle du dispositif de centrage et de sécurité de la figure 20 ;
• la figure 23 est une vue de détail en perspective de dessous de la partie femelle du dispositif de centrage et de sécurité de la figure 20 ;
• la figure 24 est une vue partielle en perspective de dessus d'un wagon ferroviaire selon l'invention comprenant un dispositif de centrage et de sécurité selon une quatrième variante de l'invention ;
• la figure 25 est une vue partielle en perspective de dessous du wagon ferroviaire de la figure 24 ;
• la figure 26 est une vue de détail en perspective de dessus de la partie mâle du dispositif de centrage et de sécurité de la figure 24 ; et
• la figure 27 est une vue de détail en perspective de dessus de la partie femelle du dispositif de centrage et de sécurité de la figure 24.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

• the figure 1 is an overall schematic view of a railway wagon for the combined rail / road transport of a road load and comprising two end platforms equipped with bogies and supporting a pivoting structure carrying the road load;
• the figure 2 is a side view of a railway car according to the invention;
• the figure 3 is a detail view of the circled part on the figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 is a view similar to figure 3 , in which the end platform and the swivel structure are separated;
• the figure 5 is a sectional view of the detail of the figure 3 , wherein a device for locking the pivoting structure with the end platform is in the locking position;
• the figure 6 is a view similar to figure 5 , wherein the locking device is in the unlocked position;
• the figure 7 is a partial perspective view of an end platform according to the invention illustrating the locking device according to the invention;
• the figures 8 and 9 are detail views illustrating rotation stops for the female hooks of the pivoting structure according to the invention;
• the figure 10 is a partial perspective view of a rail car according to the invention comprising a centering and safety device according to a first variant of the invention;
• the figure 11 is a detailed view of the centering and safety device circled on the figure 10 ;
• the figure 12 is a detail perspective view from above of the male part of the centering and safety device of the figure 10 ;
• the figure 13 is a perspective view from below of the male part of the centering and safety device of the figure 10 ;
• the figure 14 is a detail perspective view from above of the female part of the centering and safety device of the figure 10 ;
• the figure 15 is a partial perspective view from above of a railway wagon according to the invention comprising a centering and safety device according to a second variant of the invention;
• the figure 16 is a partial perspective view from below of the railway car of the figure 15 ;
• the figure 17 is a partial perspective view from above of a pivoting structure comprising the male elements of the centering and safety device according to the second variant of the invention;
• the figure 18 is a partial perspective view from below of an end platform comprising the female elements of the centering and safety device according to the second variant of the invention;
• the figure 19 is a partial perspective view from above of a railway wagon according to the invention comprising a centering and safety device according to a third variant of the invention;
• the figure 20 is a partial perspective view from below of the railway car of the figure 19 ;
• the figure 21 is a detail perspective view from above of the male part of the centering and safety device of the figure 20 ;
• the figure 22 is a detail perspective view from above of the female part of the centering and safety device of the figure 20 ;
• the figure 23 is a detailed perspective view from below of the female part of the centering and safety device of the figure 20 ;
• the figure 24 is a partial perspective view from above of a railway wagon according to the invention comprising a centering and safety device according to a fourth variant of the invention;
• the figure 25 is a partial perspective view from below of the railway car of the figure 24 ;
• the figure 26 is a detail perspective view from above of the male part of the centering and safety device of the figure 24 ; and
• the figure 27 is a detail perspective view from above of the female part of the centering and safety device of the figure 24 .

Mode (s) for carrying out the invention

The structurally and functionally identical elements present in several distinct figures are assigned the same numerical or alphanumeric reference.

The railway wagon (1) according to the invention is intended for combined rail / road transport and the loading / unloading of a road load, preferably a semi-trailer. Such a railway wagon (1) is shown in a simplified manner on the figure 1 .

It comprises two end platforms (2) connected by a tie rod (3) and fitted with bogies (4). It is this assembly (2, 3) which allows the railway wagon (1) according to the invention to run on rails. The tie rod (3) is connected to each end platform (2) by a connecting member (not shown). Each of these connecting members is preferably located at the level of the tie rod (3), in the lower part of each of the end platforms (2).

This assembly (2, 3) formed by the end platforms (2) and the tie rod (3) support a pivoting structure (5) carrying the road load. The tie-rod (3) is equipped with a pivot (6) which allows the pivoting structure (5) to be driven in a back and forth pivoting movement, in a horizontal plane, towards and beyond a platform between a transport position along the longitudinal axis of the railway wagon (1) and a loading / unloading position oblique or perpendicular to the transport position.

Thus, in the loading / unloading position, the ends of the pivoting structure (5) are open and accessible from the dock to allow the user to load or unload a road load on or outside said pivoting structure (5).

In the transport position, the pivoting structure (5) and the two end platforms (2) are mutually associated and aligned along the longitudinal axis of the railway wagon (1) and the ends of the pivoting structure (5) are closed by the end platforms (2).

When the pivoting structure (5) is in the transport position, a lifting mechanism outside the wagon allows the pivoting structure (5) to be moved vertically with respect to the two end platforms (2), so that said pivoting structure (5) ) or separate from the two end platforms (2) and can freely pivot relative to them. The pivoting structure (5) can thus adopt a high position and a low position.

Generally, the pivoting structure (5) comprises a horizontal loading platform (7) bordered longitudinally by two protective side walls (8) delimited upwards by upper side members (9). These upper side members (9) usually make it possible to stiffen and support the pivoting structure (5).

The railway wagon (1) according to the invention also comprises two connecting systems (10) provided to dissociably assemble the pivoting structure (5) and the two end platforms (2) when the pivoting structure (5) is in position. transport position. Each connection system (10) is thus provided between each of the end platforms (2) and the pivoting structure (5), at the ends facing these elements (2, 5).

The present invention is concerned with improving the existing connecting systems (10) for this type of railway wagon (1).

The connection system (10) will therefore be described here for one of the end platforms (2). It will preferably be similar for the other end platform (2).

Each connection system (10) comprises a pair of hooks (11) open upwards, oriented longitudinally and located on the end platform (2). These hooks (11) open upwards are each located on the end platform (2) at its end facing the pivoting structure (5). Each of the upwardly open hooks (11) is located at each of the upper corners (12) of the end platform (2). These hooks (11) open upwards, also called “male hooks”, each comprise a part (13) projecting upwards which can be fitted with liners (14) preferably made of copper on their faces oriented along the axis. longitudinal section of the railway wagon (1). Preferably, these liners (14) also extend over the face of the top of the part (13) projecting upwards.

Each connection system (10) also comprises a pair of hooks (15) open downwards, oriented longitudinally and located on the pivoting structure (5). These hooks (15) open downwards are each located on the pivoting structure (5) at its end facing the end platform (2). Each of the downwardly open hooks (15) is located at each of the upper corners (16) of the pivoting structure (5). These hooks (15) open towards the bottom, also called “female hooks”, each comprise a receiving cutout (17) open towards the bottom of a shape substantially complementary to the part (13) projecting upwards from each hook (11). open up.

The downwardly open hooks (15) are each provided to engage with and rest from above on the upwardly open hooks (11) of the end platform (2) when the swivel structure (5) is in position. transport position. The furring strips (14) of the hooks (11) open upwards have a slight angle with respect to the vertical so that each protruding part (13) has a wider profile at its base with respect to its upper part, which allows to guide and facilitate the engagement of the part (13) projecting from each hook (11) open upwards in the receiving cutout (17) of each hook (15) open downwards.

The upwardly projecting parts (13) and the downwardly open receiving cutouts (17) preferably have a profile of substantially rectangular shape.

The mutual engagement of the hooks (15) open at the bottom and the hooks (11) open at the top makes it possible to secure the end platform (2) and the pivoting structure (5) in their upper part.

Each connection system (10) also comprises a pair of stop pieces (18) located in the lower part of the end platform (2) of the end. Each stop piece (18) is protruding in the direction of the pivoting structure (5) so as to bear on a receiving surface (19) located in the lower part of the pivoting structure (5) and to maintain a fixed distance between the end platform (2) and the pivoting structure (5) when the pivoting structure (5) is in the transport position. Each stop piece (18) preferably comprises a wedging piece (20) fixed to the end platform (2) in the lower part thereof, and to which is fixed a sleeve (21), preferably copper, this fur (21) being provided to come into contact against the receiving surface (19) located in the lower part of the pivoting structure (5). The thickness of the wedging piece (20) is used to adjust the functional play of the pivoting structure (5) with respect to the end platform (2). It also makes it possible to adjust the attitude of the pivoting structure (5) in order to ensure in particular that the loading platform (7) thereof is located in a horizontal plane. The thickness of each wedging piece (20) is preferably chosen at the factory during the manufacture of the railway wagon (1) according to the invention in order to carry out the above-mentioned adjustments.

It will be noted that on each side of the connection system (10), the hooks (15) open downwards, the hooks (11) open upwards and the stop pieces (18) are provided substantially in the same vertical plane as that of the side walls (8) and the upper side members (9) of the pivoting structure (5). Thus, these elements (11, 15, 18) are provided in the immediate vicinity of the lateral flanks of the end platform (2) and of the pivoting structure (5), for maximum spacing between each element (11, 15, 18 ) within the same pair of hooks (15) open downwards, hooks (11) open upwards and stop pieces (18). This configuration makes it possible to improve the retaining force in the horizontal plane of said end platform (2) with said pivoting structure (5).

It will also be noted that each connection system (10) does not include open hooks in each of the lower corners of the ends facing said end platform (2) and said pivoting structure (5), a pair of stop pieces (18) coming in place of these brackets.

Each connection system (10) further comprises a retainer (22) provided to secure the assembly of the pivoting structure (5) and the two end platforms (2) when the pivoting structure (5) is in position. transport. This retainer (22) comprises at least one locking mechanism (23) which locks the swivel structure (5) with said end platform (2) when the swivel structure (5) is in the transport position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the figures 5 to 9 , the retainer (22) comprises two locking mechanisms (23) each provided on each side of the end platform (2) and the swivel structure (5). Each locking mechanism (23) comprises a locking hook (24) provided to come to engage in locking on a gripping pin (25). The locking hook (24) is mounted on the end platform (2) and provided to pivot in a vertical plane located along the longitudinal axis of the railway wagon (1) to engage in locking on the gripping axis (25) mounted on the pivoting structure (5) and provided transverse to the longitudinal axis of the railway wagon (1).

Each locking mechanism (23) includes a spring (26) which urges the locking hook (24) into the locking position. Each locking mechanism (23) also comprises an actuator (27), preferably pneumatic, provided to tilt the locking hook (24) into the unlocked position. The force of the actuator (27) is sufficient to overcome the force of the spring (26).

Thus, in the event of failure of an actuator (27) or its energy, the locking hook (24) remains in the locking position. Likewise, for better safety of the locking mechanism (23), the two locking hooks (24) are mutually connected by a torsion bar (28) which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the railway wagon (1). and which allows the two springs (26) to be redundant. When checking the transportability of the rail wagon (1), this torsion bar (28) also makes it possible to know the position of the locking hooks (24) by observing only one side of the rail wagon (1) .

The locking hooks (24) are preferably provided on the outer side flanks of the end platform (2), at the level of the open hooks upwards (11), below the level of the upper face of each part (13) protruding upwards.

Each linkage system (10) also comprises a centering device (29) which guides the pivoting structure (5) when it arrives in the transport position, aligns it and keeps it aligned in the transport position with said end platform. (2) along the longitudinal axis of the railway wagon (1).

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the centering device (29) comprises a centering finger (30) provided on the end platform (2) in the lower part thereof, on the face facing the pivoting structure (5). The centering finger (30) protrudes in the direction of the pivoting structure (5) so as to be received in a receiving housing (31) provided in the pivoting structure (5) in the lower part thereof, on the face opposite the end platform (2). The centering finger (30) and the receiving housing (31) are preferably provided centered at the level of the median longitudinal axis of the railway wagon (1), that is to say that they are each located substantially in the middle of the transverse faces facing the end platform (2) and the pivoting structure (5).

According to another embodiment, the centering finger (30) and the receiving housing (31) are located respectively on the pivoting structure (5) and on the end structure (2).

The centering finger (30) preferably has a tapered upper part so as to guide the descent of the pivoting structure (5) when it arrives in the transport position so that the centering finger (30) penetrates from below into the receiving housing (31) of the end platform (2). On each of its transverse flanks, the centering finger (30) preferably has linings (32), the upper part of which is truncated so as to give its tapered shape to the centering finger (30).

Finally, each connection system (10) further comprises a safety device (33) which connects the pivoting structure (5) to the end platform (2) and provides traction between these two elements when the pivoting structure (5) ) is in the transport position and in the event of failure of one of the connecting members connecting the two end platforms (2) to the tie rod (3) in nominal mode. By nominal mode, commonly means a normal operating mode which does not result from any failure.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, connecting members (not shown) are provided between each of the two end platforms (2) and the tie rod (3), in the lower part of the end platforms (2) , in order to connect the pivoting structure (5) to the end platform (2) when the pivoting structure (5) is in the transport position. When these connecting members fail, the two end platforms (2) remain connected to the pivoting structure (5) by the hooks (15) open downwards and the hooks (11) open upwards, but as they are no longer correctly connected to the tie-rod (3), their lower part is liable to tip down, just like the tie-rod (3), which can cause serious accidents. This downward tilting of an end platform (2) can also cause the centering finger (30) to disengage from the receiving housing (31). The pivoting structure (5) and the end platform (2) are then no longer kept centered and the hooks (15) open downwards and the hooks (11) open upwards are liable to disengage, which can cause serious accidents, in particular a rupture of the railway wagon (1) at the level of the connection system (10).

The purpose of the safety device (33) is to maintain the lower part of the end platform (2) with the lower part of the pivoting structure (5) and to prevent the breaking of the railway wagon (1) at the level of the connecting system (10) in the event of failure of one of the connecting members connecting the two end platforms (2) to the tie rod (3) in nominal mode.

When none of these connecting members is faulty, the device safety device (33) is not used and has no effect.

In the event of failure of one of the connecting members, the safety device (33) ensures at least the traction connection of the end platform (2) via the lower part of the pivoting structure (5), or vice versa.

For this purpose, the safety device (33) preferably comprises at least one male member (34) mounted in the lower part of the end platform (2) and designed to be housed in at least one female receiving member (35) provided. in the lower part of the pivoting structure (5).

According to another embodiment, the male member (34) and the receiving member (35) are located respectively on the pivoting structure (5) and on the end structure (2).

In nominal mode, this male member (34) is not in contact with the female receiver member (35). It is only in the event of failure of one of the connecting members that the male member (34) comes into contact with a contact zone (36) of the female receiving member (35) to ensure traction between the platform. end (2) and the pivoting structure (5) in their lower part.

Several variants can be envisaged for the safety device (33).

According to a variant of the invention shown in the figures 10 to 14 and 17 to 27 , the safety device (33) can also fulfill the role of centering the centering device (29) and these two devices can be in the form of a single centering and safety device (29, 33).

According to the variant of the invention shown in the figures 10 to 14 , the male member (34) of the safety device (33) is in the form of a centering finger (30), the free end of which comprises an anchoring piece (37) extending transversely on each of the sides of the free end of the centering finger (30). In these figures, the anchoring part (37) is in the general form of an anchor-type hook and the female receiving member (35) has a general shape complementary to the anchoring part (37) and is open both in its upper face and in its underside. On the detail views of figures 12 and 13 , it will be noted that the centering finger (30) has in the lower part lateral supports (38) extending laterally in prominence in order to support the linings (32) of the centering finger (30) when they undergo a directed vertical force down.

According to the variant of the invention shown in the figures 15 to 18 , the safety device (33) and the centering device (29) are separate. According to this variant, the centering finger (30) is a simple part of general shape parallelepiped comprising lateral supports (38) for the furs (32), while the safety device (33) comprises two male members (34) in the form of hooks (39), the free part of which is curved upwards to enter from below in female receiving members (35) provided on the underside of the pivoting structure (5). In this variant, the female receiving members (35) are in the form of simple housings (40) having an open face downwards. The male members (34) and the female receiving members (35) are provided laterally eccentric with respect to the centering device (29). In this variant, the centering finger (30) and male members (34) are protruding from the end platform (2) in the lower part thereof in the direction of the pivoting structure (5).

According to the variant of the invention shown in the figures 19 to 23 , the safety device (33) and the centering device (29) are in the form of one and the same centering and safety device (29, 33). In this variant, the male member (34) of the safety device (33) is in the form of a centering finger (30), the free end of which has a hook (39) curved upwards to penetrate from below in a female receiving member (35) provided on the underside of the pivoting structure (5). In this variant, the female receiving member (35) is in the form of a housing (40) having both an open face downwards and an open face towards the end platform (2) to leave penetrate both the centering finger (30) and the male member (34). In its face facing the end platform (2), the housing (40) has a retaining lug (41) which extends downward from the upper face of the housing (40) in order to be engaged in traction. or by pushing by the hook (39) in the event of failure of one of the connecting members connecting the two end platforms (2) to the tie rod (3) in nominal mode. The safety device (33) and the centering device (29) are also retained vertically upwards by the upper bottom of the housing (40).

According to the variant of the invention shown in the figures 24 to 27 , the safety device (33) and the centering device (29) are in the form of one and the same centering and safety device (29, 33). In this variant, the male member (34) of the safety device (33) is in the form of a centering finger (30) having transverse axes (42) in its middle part, these transverse axes (42) extending laterally from the middle portion of the centering finger (30) through the linings (32) of said centering finger (30). The safety device (33) and the centering device (29) thus adopt the general shape of a cross whose branches are located in a horizontal plane, and the free parts of which are designed to be received in a female receiving member (35) provided on the underside of the pivoting structure (5). In this variant, the female receiving member (35) is in the form of a housing (40) having the general shape of a cross complementary to the shape of the safety device (33) and of the centering device (29), with a longitudinal part (43) and transverse parts (44) extending in a horizontal plane on each side of the longitudinal part (43). This cross-shaped housing (40) has both an open face downward and an open face towards the end platform (2) to allow penetration of both the centering finger (30) and the male organ (34). In the event of failure of one of the connecting members connecting the two end platforms (2) to the tie-rod (3), the transverse axes (42) of the safety device (33) are found in pull or push contact in the the transverse parts (44) of the housing (40). The transverse axes (42) of the safety device (33) are also retained vertically upwards by the upper bottom of the housing (40).

In general, the female receiving member (35) has dimensions slightly larger than those of the female receiving member (35) of the safety device (33) so that these members (34, 35) are not in contact. only in the event of failure of one of the connecting members connecting the two end platforms (2) to the tie rod (3) in nominal mode.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each connection system (10) also comprises an additional safety device (45) which prevents the transverse disengagement of the hooks (15) open at the bottom with the hooks (11) open. to the top. An exemplary embodiment of this additional safety device (45) is shown in the figures 7 to 9 .

In this example, the additional safety device (45) comprises a top stop stop (46) provided on the outer side of one of the hooks (11) open upwards, preferably at its part (13). protruding upwards. This upper stopper (46) has an upper part (47) extending upwardly above said upwardly open hook (11) so as to form a lateral stopper for the hook (15) open at the bottom provided to engage with said hook (11) open at the top. Thus, the internal lateral face of said upper part (47) extending upwards abuts against the external lateral face of the hook (15) open downwards when the pivoting structure (5) is pivoted in the transport position. The upper stopper (46) may also have a lower portion (48) extending downwardly to form a front stop for the locking hook (24) when this is in the unlocked position.

In this example, the additional safety device (45) also comprises a lower stopper (49) provided on the outer flank of the other hook (11) open upwards, preferably at its part (13). ) projecting upwards. This lower stopper (49) does not have any protruding part above said hook (11) open upwards so that the pivoting structure (5) can pass over it without a of its hooks (15) open downwards comes into abutment against the lower stopper (49) during the pivoting of the pivoting structure (5). The lower stopper (49), however, has a longitudinal part (50) extending forward or backward which abuts against the outer lateral face of the hook (15) open downwards when the pivoting structure (5) descends in transport position. Like the upper stopper (46), the lower stopper (49) can also have a lower part (48) extending downwards to form a front stop for the locking hook (24) when the latter -ci is in the unlocked position.

The side on which the upper stopper (46) and the lower stopper (49) are mounted on the end platform (2) depends of course on the direction of rotation in which the swivel structure (5) is rotated. in the transport position, the pivoting structure (5), when in the high position, pivoting above the lower stopper (49) to come into abutment against the upper stopper (46). The end platform (2) is in abutment against the lower stopper (49) only when it is lowered into its lower position. It is then kept centered by its two stops (46, 49) redundantly with the centering device (29)

The upper stopper (46) and the lower stopper (49) are preferably bolted to the outer side face of their respective upwardly open hook (11).

• les butées d'arrêt haute et basse (46, 49), ainsi que le dispositif de centrage (29) empêchent de manière redondante le mouvement transversal de la plateforme d'extrémité (2) par rapport à la structure pivotante (5) et inversement ;
• le crochet de verrouillage (24) empêche le mouvement vers le haut de la structure pivotante (5) par rapport à la plateforme d'extrémité (2) ;
• l'engagement mutuel des crochets (11) ouverts vers le haut avec les crochets (15) ouverts vers le bas empêche le mouvement longitudinal de la plateforme d'extrémité (2) par rapport à la structure pivotante (5) et réciproquement, ainsi que le mouvement vers le haut de la plateforme d'extrémité (2) par rapport à la structure pivotante (5) ; et
• selon son mode de réalisation, le dispositif de sécurité (33) peut également empêcher de façon redondante le mouvement vers le haut de la plateforme d'extrémité (2) par rapport à la structure pivotante (5).

When in the transport position, the pivoting structure (5) and the end platform (2) are securely blocked according to the six possible kinematic movements:

• the upper and lower stops (46, 49), as well as the centering device (29) redundantly prevent the transverse movement of the end platform (2) relative to the swivel structure (5) and vice versa ;
• the locking hook (24) prevents upward movement of the swivel structure (5) relative to the end platform (2);
• the mutual engagement of the hooks (11) open upwards with the hooks (15) open downwards prevents longitudinal movement of the end platform (2) relative to the swivel structure (5) and vice versa, as well as the upward movement of the end platform (2) relative to the pivoting structure (5); and
• according to its embodiment, the safety device (33) can also redundantly prevent the upward movement of the end platform (2) relative to the swivel structure (5).

Each link system (10) thus offers maximum security.

It will be noted that in the invention, given that each connection system (10) only comprises hooks (11, 15) in the upper part, the tie rod (3) takes up the torque generated by the pivoting structure (5) carrying road load.

It is obvious that the present description is not limited to the examples explicitly described, but also includes other embodiments and / or implementation. Thus, a described technical characteristic can be replaced by an equivalent technical characteristic without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. A rail wagon (1) for rail-and-road combined transport and for loading and unloading a road load, said wagon comprising:

   • two end platforms (2) interconnected by a tie (3) and equipped with bogies (4), the tie (3) being connected to each end platform (2) via a connection member;

   • a pivotally mounted structure (5) that bears the road load and that is situated above the tie (3) between the two end platforms (2), which structure is mounted to pivot between a transport position and a loading/unloading position;

   • a connection system (10) provided at each end of the pivotally mounted structure (5) and at the facing end of a respective one of the two end platforms (2) for the purpose of detachably assembling the pivotally mounted structure (5) with said end platform (2);

   each connection system (10) comprising:

   • a pair of upwardly open hooks (11) situated at the top portion on the facing end of the end platform (2);

   • a pair of downwardly open hooks (15) situated at the top portion on the pivotably mounted structure (5), said downwardly open hooks (15) engaging with and resting on the upwardly open hooks (11) of said end platform (2) when the pivotably mounted structure (5) is in the transport position;

   characterized in that each connection system (10) further comprises:

   • a pair of abutment pieces (18) situated at the bottom portion of the facing end of said end platform (2) and projectingly extending towards the pivotally mounted structure (5), said abutment pieces (18) maintaining a fixed spacing between said end platform (2) and said pivotally mounted structure (5) when the pivotally mounted structure (5) is in the transport position;

   • a centering device (29) that guides the pivotally mounted structure (5) when it arrives in the transport position and aligns it in the transport position with said end platform (2) along a longitudinal axis of the rail wagon (1); and

   • a safety device that connects the pivotally mounted structure (5) to said end platform (2) and transmits traction forces between these two elements when the pivotally mounted structure (5) is in the transport position and in the event that one of the connection members fails, said safety device having functional mechanical clearance between the end platform (2) and the tie (3) in nominal mode.
2. A rail wagon according to claim 1, characterized in that each connection system (10) further comprises a retaining device (22) including at least one locking mechanism (23) on each side of the end platform (2) and of the pivotally mounted structure (5), which locking mechanism locks the pivotally mounted structure (5) with said end platform (2) when the pivotally mounted structure (5) is in the transport position.
3. A rail wagon (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the upwardly open hooks (11) are equipped with linings (14) on their faces oriented along the longitudinal axis of the rail wagon (1), the linings (14) of the upwardly open hooks (11) having a slight angle relative to the vertical so that each projecting part (13) has a wider profile at its base than at its top portion.
4. A rail wagon (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each abutment piece (18) comprises a shim piece (20) of chosen thickness that is fastened to the end platform (2), and to which a lining (21) is fastened that is designed to come into contact with a receiving surface (19) situated on the bottom portion of the pivotally mounted structure (5).
5. A rail wagon (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that each locking mechanism (23) comprises a locking hook (24) mounted on the end platform (2) or on the pivotally mounted structure (5) and designed to be suitable for coming into locking engagement with a graspable pin (25) respectively mounted on the pivotally mounted structure (5) or on the end platform (2), said locking hook (24) being designed to pivot in a vertical plane so as to come into locking engagement with the graspable pin (25) that is arranged to extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rail wagon (1).
6. A rail wagon (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the two locking hooks (24) are interconnected by a torsion bar (28) that extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rail wagon (1).
7. A rail wagon (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centering device (29) comprises a centering finger (30) arranged on the end platform (2) at the bottom portion thereof, on the face facing the pivotally mounted structure (5), and a receiving recess (31) arranged at the bottom portion of the pivotally mounted structure (5), in the face facing the end platform (2), the centering finger (30) projectingly extending towards the pivotally mounted structure (5) in order to be received in the receiving recess (31) when the pivotally mounted structure (5) is in the transport position.
8. A rail wagon (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety device (33) comprises at least one male member (34) mounted at the bottom portion of the pivotally mounted structure (5) and at least one female receiving member (35) arranged in the bottom portion of the end platform (2), a male member (34) being designed to be received in a female receiving member (35) when the pivotally mounted structure (5) is in the transport position, and the female receiving member (35) having dimensions that are slightly larger than the dimensions of the male member (34) in such a manner that functional mechanical clearance between the male member (34) and the female receiving member (35) avoids contact and force transmission between the pivotally mounted structure (5) and the end platform (2).
9. A rail wagon (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety device (33) and the centering device (29) are in the form of a single centering and safety device (29, 33).
10. A rail wagon (1) according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that the safety device (33) comprises at least one male member (34) in the form of a centering finger (30), the free end of which includes an anchoring piece (37) transversely extending from each of the sides of the free end of the centering finger (30).
11. A rail wagon (1) according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that the safety device (33) comprises at least one male member (34) in the form of a hook (39) projectingly extending from the end platform (2) at the bottom portion thereof towards the pivotally mounted structure (5), the free portion of the hook (39) being curved upwards.
12. A rail wagon (1) according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that the safety device (33) comprises at least one male member (34) in the form of a centering finger (30) having transverse pins (42) in the middle portion thereof.

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